US7722276B2 - Applicator device for applying a substance - Google Patents

Abstract

An applicator device for applying a substance may include: an inside space containing a supply of substance; an applicator member including a cellular material that deforms at least in part during application, and an application surface configured to apply the substance; a handle that is secured to the applicator member which includes at least one portion that is fastened relative to the handle; a housing configured to receive the applicator member at least in part, the housing communicating in a permanent manner with the inside space containing the supply of substance; and a resilient return member configured to exert thrust on the applicator member toward the application surface.

Description

This non-provisional application claims the benefit of French Application No. 04 52378 filed on Oct. 20, 2004, and U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/628,534 filed on Nov. 18, 2004, the entire disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference.

The present invention relates to an applicator device for applying a substance, for example, a cosmetic or a skincare product.

The term “cosmetic substance” as used in the context of the present invention means a substance as defined in the Jun. 14, 1993 EEC Directive 93/35 modifying EEC Directive 76/768.

BACKGROUND

French patent FR 2 800 041 discloses a packaging and applicator device including an applicator member fastened on a spring support. The spring support has compressibility that is greater than the compressibility of the applicator member, so that the spring support compensates for the applicator member being compressed excessively, thereby preventing too much substance from being expelled, where necessary.

U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2003/0129016 discloses an applicator device including a block of foam that has thinner zones making it possible to increase compressibility of the block of foam. The block of foam may be covered by a skin of stiff plastics material or elastomer.

Europeanpatent application EP 1 230 869 discloses an applicator comprising a first block of foam having a tubular shape, inside which a second block of foam is disposed, the second block of foam being stiffer than the first block of foam.

Finally, U.S. Pat. No. 3,129,452 discloses an applicator including a multilayer structure defining an application surface. An element made of polyurethane foam is disposed beneath the multilayer structure so as to impart a convex shape thereto. A valve is provided for the purpose, when the applicator is not in use, of closing a passage through which the substance flows toward the application surface when the applicator is in use.

Like the exemplary applicator device described in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2003/0129016, some applicator devices include an applicator member that is compressed by a closure cap during storage.

SUMMARY

In the long term, such compression may reduce the ability of the applicator member to return to an initial shape thereof.

Such a decrease in the elasticity of the applicator member may be particularly troublesome when the substance which is applied thereby affects the shape memory properties of the applicator member, for example, because of relatively high viscosity and/or because of the presence in the substance of certain compounds, such as polymers, that are capable of stiffening the applicator member.

Such a drawback makes it inadvisable to use relatively flexible materials to make the applicator member, whereas such materials are desirable to offer a sensation of softness during application.

Exemplary embodiments of the invention seek to further improve devices including an applicator member that is deformable at least in part.

Exemplary embodiments of the invention may provide an applicator device for applying a substance, the device comprising: an inside space containing a supply of substance; an applicator member comprising a cellular material that deforms at least in part during application, and an application surface configured to apply the substance; a handle secured to the applicator member, the applicator member comprising at least one portion fastened relative to the handle; a housing configured to receive the applicator member at least in part, the housing communicating in a permanent manner with the inside space containing the supply of substance; and a resilient return member configured to exert thrust on the applicator member toward the application surface.

In exemplary embodiments, the thrust may be exerted at least when the applicator member is compressed to a certain degree during normal use and/or when the housing receiving the applicator member is closed.

In exemplary embodiments, the resilient return member may allow the applicator member to return to an initial shape thereof, for example, when the housing is opened, or after the applicator member has been pressed against a zone to be treated.

If desired, in exemplary embodiments the applicator member may be made of a fairly flexible material, such as a foam made of nitrile butadiene rubber (NBR), styrene butadiene rubber (SBR), polyurethane, or polyether, for example.

In exemplary embodiments in which the applicator member is porous and returns to a shape corresponding to a non-compressed state, pores of the applicator member may tend to expand, thereby making it easier to load the applicator member with substance, and thereby increasing flexibility of the applicator member.

In addition, the resilient return member, for example, in exemplary embodiments in which the resilient return member is disposed at least in part in a recess of the applicator member, may be configured to assist in holding the applicator member on a support thereof. Where appropriate or desired, this may simplify fastening the applicator member onto a remainder of the device.

In exemplary embodiments, at least part of the applicator member may be elastically deformable, and, for example, may be elastically compressible.

In exemplary embodiments, the application surface and the portion of the applicator member that is secured relative to the handle may be configured so as to become closer to each other while the applicator member is being compressed in use and/or when the housing receiving the applicator member is closed.

In exemplary embodiments, the resilient return member may be compressed when the applicator member is not in use and when the housing is open.

In exemplary embodiments, the resilient return member may be configured to work in compression.

In exemplary embodiments, the resilient return member may comprise a spring, such as a helical spring, for example, a single or double helix, with turns that optionally touch when the housing is closed. In other exemplary embodiments, the spring may comprise a conical spring or may be in the shape of bellows, this list not being limiting. The spring may be made of metal and/or plastics material, for example.

In exemplary embodiments, the resilient return member may comprise a cellular material, such as a foam, which may be permeable to the substance and which may include good ability to return to an initial shape thereof.

In exemplary embodiments, the resilient return member and the applicator member may be made of different materials, the applicator member being made of a material that imparts softness during application. The resilient return member may advantageously include the ability to return to an initial shape thereof after the member has been compressed to a greater degree than the applicator member.

In exemplary embodiments in which the device includes a support carrying the applicator member, the resilient return member may be fastened on said support. In other exemplary embodiments in which the device includes a support carrying the applicator member, the resilient return member may be made integrally as a single piece with said support, for example, by molding plastics material, so that the device includes a smaller number of parts.

In exemplary embodiments, the resilient return member may include biocidal properties. Such properties may be linked, for example, to the presence in and/or on the resilient return member of metallic salts, for example, silver, aluminum, or copper salts, or ferric oxides. Thus, an amount of preservatives in the substance may thus be reduced, where appropriate or desired.

In exemplary embodiments, the device may include a closure cap configured to close the housing. The cap may be configured to optionally compress the applicator member when the housing is closed by the cap. For example, the cap may be configured to compress the applicator member, at least in part, when the housing is closed by the cap at least in part.

In exemplary embodiments in which the cap does not compress the applicator member in the closed position, the resilient return member may nevertheless be useful for returning the applicator member into an initial configuration thereof after the applicator member has been squeezed against a zone to be treated.

In exemplary embodiments, the receptacle of the device may define the inside space containing the supply of substance. In such exemplary embodiments, the receptacle may further define the handle secured to the applicator member.

In exemplary embodiments, the receptacle may include a support carrying the applicator member. The support may advantageously include at least one orifice configured to enable substance to pass from the inside space to the applicator member.

For example, the receptacle need not include a valve associated with said orifice.

In exemplary embodiments, the support may include a chimney communicating with the orifice and extending at least in part into the housing that receives the applicator member.

In exemplary embodiments, the chimney may be configured to serve as a guide to the resilient return member.

In exemplary embodiments, the chimney may form an annular space in a recess of the applicator member, with the resilient return member extending at least partially in said annular space.

In exemplary embodiments in which the resilient return member comprises a spring, said spring may be disposed around the orifice and may include an inside diameter that is substantially equal to a diameter of said orifice. In other exemplary embodiments, the inside diameter of the spring may be greater than the diameter of the orifice. In other exemplary embodiments, the inside diameter of the spring may be greater than an outside diameter of the chinney.

In exemplary embodiments, the closure cap may define the handle secured to the applicator member.

In exemplary embodiments in which the device includes a receptacle containing a supply of substance, the receptacle may include a perforated wall that defines the housing in which the applicator member is received at least in part. The perforated wall may include one or a plurality of orifices.

In exemplary embodiments in which the applicator member is secured to the closure cap, said closure cap may be loaded with substance merely by disposing the applicator member in the housing of the receptacle, without having to fasten the cap onto the receptacle, for example, by screw-fastening or snap-fastening. The resilient return member may be configured to enable the applicator member to return, in the non-compressed state, to a relatively tall height, for example, taller than a depth of the housing of the receptacle.

In exemplary embodiments, the applicator member may comprise a foam, and the applicator member may be intrinsically permeable to the substance. The applicator member may optionally include at least one through orifice, for example, a slot or a hole, that opens to the application surface so as to make it easier for the substance to arrive thereon.

In exemplary embodiments, the applicator member may be a single piece. In other exemplary embodiments, the applicator member may comprise different materials.

In exemplary embodiments, the applicator member may include a recess including an end wall, the resilient return member being configured to exert thrust on the end wall toward the application surface.

In exemplary embodiments, the recess may include a wall having a shape selected from: a cylindrical shape, a frustoconical shape, a conical shape, a truncated spherical shape, or a rounded shape, for example, substantially an egg shape.

In exemplary embodiments in which the resilient return member comprises a cellular material, the resilient return member may comprise a tubular wall that may extend over substantially an entire height of the recess, for example.

In exemplary embodiments, the resilient return member may be in permanent contact with the applicator member and/or may extend at least in part into the recess of the applicator member.

Where appropriate or desired, the applicator member may include at least one groove, for example, an annular groove, that extends substantially transversally to a direction in which the applicator member is compressed in use. The groove may form a preferred compression zone making it possible to prevent the applicator member from being over compressed, and thereby preventing too much substance from being expelled.

In a non-compressed state thereof, the applicator member may comprise various forms, for example, including a height that is greater than a largest transverse dimension thereof.

In exemplary embodiments, the resilient return member may optionally be fastened to the applicator member.

In exemplary embodiments in which the device includes a support carrying the applicator member, the support may include an outer skirt, for example, a skirt configured to co-operate in a sealing manner with a closure cap and surrounding the applicator member at least in part. In a non-compressed state, the applicator member may include a height that is greater than a height of the skirt, for example, at least 2% greater, at least 5% greater at least 10% greater, or even at least 20% greater.

Because in exemplary embodiments the resilient return member allows the applicator member to return to an initial shape thereof after the resilient return member has been compressed, the application surface may be located, at the moment of application, relatively far from a he top edge of the skirt. Thus, while the applicator member is being compressed against a zone to be treated to apply the substance, the top edge of the skirt need not come into contact with said zone, thereby increasing comfort in application.

In exemplary embodiments, the applicator member in the compressed state, when the cap is closed, may include a height that is substantially equal to a height of the outer skirt which surrounds the applicator member. The height of the applicator member in the compressed state, when the cap is closed, may be reduced by at least 2%, for example, and in particular by at least 5%, 10%, or 20% compared to the height thereof in the non-compressed state.

In exemplary embodiments, the applicator member may comprise at a bottom portion an annular wall of thickness that decreases toward a bottom end of the applicator member.

In exemplary embodiments, the substance may comprise a cosmetic, for example, for applying to skin or for treating hair, or may comprise a skincare product.

In exemplary embodiments, the substance may include a polymer.

Exemplary embodiments of the invention may provide a cosmetic or skin treatment method comprising: providing an applicator device as defined above; loading the applicator member with substance; and applying the substance to a zone to be treated, foe example, to skin, using the applicator member, for example, by compressing the applicator member.

In exemplary embodiments in which the device comprises a receptacle and a cap configured to be fastened thereon, for example, by screw-fastening or snap-fastening, with the applicator member being secured to the cap, the applicator member may be loaded with substance without fastening the cap onto the receptacle.

Exemplary embodiments of the invention may provide an applicator device for applying a substance, the device comprising: an inside space containing a supply of substance; an applicator member that is deformable at least in part, and comprising: an application surface configured to apply the substance; and a recess including an end wall; a housing configured to receive the applicator member at least in part; a closure cap configured to close the housing, said housing communicating, when the closure cap is in a closed position, with the inside space containing the supply of substance; and a resilient return member configured to exert thrust on the end wall of the recess of the applicator member toward the application surface.

In exemplary embodiments, the resilient return member does not extend in the entire space formed by the recess.

For example, in exemplary embodiments in which the resilient return member comprises a cellular material, said cellular material may extend in a portion only of the space formed by the recess.

Exemplary embodiments of the invention may provide an applicator device for applying a substance, such as a cosmetic, the device comprising: an applicator member that is deformable at least in part, and comprising: an application surface configured to apply the substance; and a recess; and a spring, such as a helical spring, housed at least in part in the recess of the applicator member, and configured to exert thrust on the applicator member toward the application surface.

Exemplary embodiments of the invention may provide an applicator device for applying a substance, such as a cosmetic, the device comprising: an applicator member that is deformable at least in part, and comprising: an application surface configured to apply the substance; and a recess having a substantially cylindrical shape that is circularly cylindrical or not; and a resilient return member, such as a spring, for example, a helical spring, housed at least in part in the recess, and configured to exert thrust on the applicator member toward the application surface, for example, during relaxation of the resilient return member.

Exemplary embodiments of the invention may provide an applicator device for applying a substance, such as a cosmetic, the device comprising: an applicator member made of an elastically compressible cellular material, and comprising: an application surface configured to apply the substance; and a recess; a housing configured to receive the applicator member at least in part; a closure cap configured to close said housing at least when the applicator member is disposed in the housing; and a resilient return member, such as a spring comprising turns, for example, a helical or frustoconical spring, housed at least in part in the recess, and configured to exert thrust on the applicator member toward the application surface, for example, during relaxation of the resilient return member.

Exemplary embodiments of the invention may provide an applicator device for applying a substance, the device comprising: an applicator member that is deformable at least in part, and including an application surface configured to apply the substance; a housing configured to receive the applicator member at least in part to load the applicator member with substance; a closure cap arranged to close the housing, the applicator member being secured to the closure cap; and a resilient return member configured to exert thrust on the applicator member toward the application surface, for example, during relaxation of the resilient return member.

In exemplary embodiments in which the device comprises a receptacle containing a supply of substance, the housing may comprise a bottom wall fixed relative to the receptacle. For example, the housing may comprise a non-displaceable, for example, a non-slidable, wall, relative to the receptacle.

In exemplary embodiments, the volume of the housing closed by the closure member may be invariable, for example, independent from a quantity of product contained in the receptacle.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Various details of the present invention may will be better understood on reading the following detailed description of non-limiting embodiments, and on examining the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIGS. 1 and 2 are diagrammatic and fragmentary axial-section views of an exemplary applicator device, respectively closed and open;

FIGS. 3 to 7 are diagrammatic and fragmentary axial-section views of other exemplary applicator devices;

FIG. 8 is a diagrammatic and fragmentary axial-section view of another exemplary applicator device; and

FIG. 9 is a diagrammatic and fragmentary axial-section view of an exemplary applicator member of the exemplary device ofFIG. 8.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

FIG. 1 shows anexemplary applicator device1 including areceptacle2 of axis X, including aninside space3 containing a supply of substance P.

In the exemplary embodiment shown, the substance P may comprise a cosmetic or a skincare product for applying to skin. Alternatively or additionally, the substance P may comprise a haircare product. For example, the substance P may be a liquid or a powder.

Thereceptacle2 may comprise abody4 provided with aneck5 of axis X, on which asupport6 may be fastened. In the exemplary embodiment shown, theneck5 may include anannular groove8 in which anassembly skirt9 of thesupport6 may be snap-fastened. Said support further may include a sealinglip10 that comes to bear on an inside wall of theneck5.

In the exemplary embodiment shown, thesupport6 may include atransverse wall12 that is substantially perpendicular to the axis X, and to which a bottom of an outertubular skirt23 may be connected.

Thewall12 and theouter skirt23 may define ahousing29 in which anapplicator member14 may be secured. A bottom of theapplicator member14 may include anannular portion13 that is positioned relative to thereceptacle2 and that is secured to thewall12 by adhesive or heat sealing, for example.

Thereceptacle2 may define a handle for theapplicator member14.

In the exemplary embodiment shown, theapplicator member14 may be made of compressible foam, for example, polyurethane, and may include ablind recess15 opening to a bottom face thereof.

In the exemplary embodiment shown, therecess15 may be substantially circularly cylindrical of axis X.

Alternatively, the recess may include a different shape, for example, a frustoconical shape, a truncated spherical shape, or a rounded shape, such as an egg shape.

Awall16 of therecess15, defining the end wall extending substantially transversally to the axis X, may close a top of therecess15 and may also define at least a fraction of theapplication surface25, for example, a top of theapplication surface25.

In the exemplary embodiment shown consideration, theapplicator member14 may further include a peripheralannular groove26 extending transversally to the axis X.

Thesupport6 may include achimney17, for example, a circularly-cylindrical chimney of axis X, extending into therecess15 and communicating in a permanent manner with theinside space3 via anorifice22.

In the exemplary embodiment shown, thechimney17 may be configured to serve as a guide to aresilient return member19 extending into theannular space18 formed around thechimney17 in therecess15.

In the exemplary embodiment shown, theresilient return member19 may comprise a helical spring working in compression.

Thespring19 may be distinct from thesupport6, being fastened thereon as shown, or may be made integrally as a single piece with said support (not shown).

Thespring19 may be made of plastics material or metal, and may possibly include biocidal properties, for example, by incorporating metallic salts, such as copper, silver, or aluminum salts, or ferric oxides.

In exemplary embodiments in which thespring19 is made of plastics material, said plastics material may be be selected from the following non-limiting list: polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE), polyoxymethylene (POM), and polyethylene terephthalate (PET). Alternatively, thespring19 may be made of elastomer, nitrile, latex, ethylene-propylene terpolymer rubber (EPDM), or some other material, such as thermoplastic, and may possibly include reinforcement.

Thespring19 may bear at a first end against theend wall16 of theapplicator member14, and at a second end, remote from the first, against thesupport6.

Theapplicator device1 may include aclosure cap30 that is suitable for being fastened onto thesupport6, for example, by snap-fastening or screw-fastening.

Thecap30 may include a sealinglip31 that is configured to bear against an inside wall of theouter skirt23 when thecap30 is in the closed position, as shown inFIG. 1.

In the closed position, theapplicator member14 may be compressed and the height thereof may be substantially equal to the height of theouter skirt23, for example. Thespring19 may also be compressed.

When thecap30 is removed from thereceptacle2, as shown inFIG. 2, theapplicator member14 may relax and is allowed to expand under action of thespring19, which bears against theend wall16.

Theapplicator member14 may be loaded with substance P by turning thedevice1 upsidedown or by shaking thedevice1 so that the substance P flows through thechimney17 toward theapplicator member14. Thebody4 may also include elastically deformable walls that enable the user to reduce a volume of theinside space3 so as to cause the substance P to be expelled through thechimney17. Thereceptacle2 may also be fitted with a pump (not shown), which, when actuated, causes substance to be expelled toward theapplicator member14.

To apply substance P to skin, the user, after having loaded theapplicator member14 with substance, may bring theapplication surface25 into contact with a region to be treated. During application, theapplicator member14 may be squeezed a little. When thedevice1 is removed, theapplicator member14 may relax with the help of thespring19.

At the moment of application, theapplication surface25 may remain relatively far from thetop edge27 of theouter skirt23, thereby preventing theskirt23 from coming into contact with the skin.

In the exemplary embodiment shown, the bottom of theapplicator member14 that is adjacent to the securedportion13 may include an annular wall with substantially constant thickness, as measured in a direction that is perpendicular to the axis X.

In another exemplary embodiment, as shown inFIG. 3, the bottom of theapplicator member14 may include an annular wall of thickness, as measured in a direction that is perpendicular to the axis X, that decreases toward thestationary portion13, thereby increasing the deformability of the applicator member in the axial direction.

Therecess15 may include a shape other than cylindrical.

FIG. 4 shows an exemplary applicator element with arecess15′ including a frustoconical shape of axis X, housing aconical spring19′.

In the exemplary embodiment shown, theapplicator member14 may include anorifice38 passing therethrough, for example, a slot, so as to allow the substance to flow toward theapplication surface25.

Naturally, such anorifice38 need not exist in all embodiments.

Where appropriate or desired, theend wall16 of therecess15 may include a substantially planarannular shoulder28 that is perpendicular to the axis X, as shown inFIG. 5. Aninsert31 may be disposed against theshoulder28, and thespring19 may come to bear against saidinsert31. If desired, theinsert31 may be made integrally as a single piece with thespring19.

FIG. 6 shows anexemplary device1′ constituting another exemplary embodiment.

Thedevice1′ may include asupport6′ that differs from the above-describedsupport6 by the fact that thesupport6′ does not include achimney17 extending over a main portion of the height of therecess15, thechimney17 being omitted, for example, or as shown, being replaced by anannular rib17′ of small height.

In the exemplary embodiment shown inFIG. 6, thedevice1′ may include anapplicator member14″ that differs from the above-describedapplicator member14 by the fact that theapplicator member14″ does not include a peripheralannular groove26, and by the fact thatapplicator member14″ may include arecess15″ including a side wall with a rounded or truncated spherical shape, for example, an egg shape.

Theexemplary device1′ may include aspring19 that is no longer directly in contact with theapplicator member14 as in theexemplary device1, but bears against aninsert35 disposed against theend wall16 of the recess of theapplicator member14″.

It is contemplated that the device may include a resilient return member other than a spring.

FIG. 7 shows anexemplary applicator device1″ that is substantially similar to theexemplary device1 described above, and may include aresilient return member36 made of a cellular material, and including a tubular shape, for example, such as a substantially circularly-cylindrical shape of axis X, extending over substantially the entire height of therecess15, for example.

Theresilient return member36 and theapplicator member14 may advantageously be made of different materials, with a stiffer material being selected for theresilient return member36.

It is contemplated that the applicator member may be secured to the closure cap, which thus defines a handle for the applicator member.

FIG. 8 shows anexemplary applicator device40 constituting another exemplary embodiment.

Theexemplary device40 may include areceptacle41 including aninside space42 containing a substance P.

Thereceptacle41 may comprise abody43 provided with aneck44 of axis X, onto which aninsert46 may be mounted. Theinsert46 may comprise adish48 that defines ahousing49, and anassembly skirt50 surrounding thedish48, which enables theinsert46 to be fastened onto theneck44.

Thedish48 may comprise aperforated wall53 through which there passes at least one orifice, or a plurality oforifices54 as in the exemplary embodiment shown, and anouter skirt56 that is threaded on an outside thereof, which enables aclosure cap58 to be fastened by screw-fastening. Alternatively, thedish48 and thecap58 may be configured to enable some other form of fastening, for example, snap-fastening.

In the exemplary embodiment shown, thecap58 may include a sealinglip60 configured to bear against an inside surface of theskirt56, when thecap58 is fastened on thereceptacle41.

In the exemplary embodiment shown, thecap58 may carry anapplicator member62 that is made of foam, for example, polyurethane foam.

Theapplicator member62 may include aportion70 that is secured to the inside face of thetop wall61 of thecap58, for example, by adhesive or heat sealing.

Theapplicator member62 may include arecess63 of axis X, closed at a bottom thereof by anend wall65. Aresilient return member64 may be disposed in therecess63 and may bear against theend wall65.

In the exemplary embodiment shown, theresilient return member64 may comprise a helical spring working in compression. Alternatively (not shown), the resilient return member may comprise a foam that fills the entire recess, for example.

A plurality of peripheralannular grooves66 that are parallel to one another and transverse to the axis X may be formed in theapplicator member62, so as to form zones of preferred deformation.

Theapplicator member62 may include anapplication surface67 configured to apply the substance.

When theclosure cap58 is fastened on thereceptacle41, theapplicator member62 may be compressed in thehousing49, with theapplication surface67 bearing against theperforated wall53.

To load theapplicator member62 with substance P, it is possible firstly to fasten thecap58 onto thereceptacle41, and then to turn thereceptacle41 upsidedown or to shake thereceptacle41, so as to enable substance P to flow toward theapplication surface67, via theorifices54.

In the exemplary embodiment shown, it is also possible to load theapplicator member62 without fastening thecap58 onto thereceptacle41.

As shown inFIG. 9, when thecap58 is removed from thereceptacle41, theapplicator member62 may include a height along the axis X that is relatively tall, so that theapplication surface67 may easily be brought into contact with theperforated wall53 of thedish48, without having to screw thecap58 onto thereceptacle41.

To apply substance P to skin, the user may use thecap58 as a handle for theapplicator member58.

Naturally, the invention is not limited to the embodiments described above.

For example, the resilient return member, such as thespring19, need not be disposed in a recess of the applicator member, but may be disposed around a portion of said applicator member, the resilient return member coming to bear on an outer shoulder of the applicator member, for example.

Throughout the description, including in the claims, the expression “comprising a” should be understood as being synonymous with the expression “comprising at least one”, unless specified to the contrary.

Although various details of the present invention herein have been described with reference to particular embodiments, it is to be understood that these embodiments are merely illustrative of the principles and applications of the present invention. It is therefore to be understood that numerous modifications may be made to the illustrative embodiments and that other arrangements may be devised without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

Claims (39)

1. An applicator device for applying a substance, the device comprising:

a receptacle comprising an inside space containing a supply of a substance;

an applicator member comprising

a cellular material that deforms at least in part during application,

an application surface configured to apply the substance, and

a recess presenting an end wall;

a handle defined by the receptacle and secured to the applicator member, the applicator member comprising at least one portion fastened relative to the handle;

a housing configured to receive the applicator member at least in part, the housing and the recess communicating in a permanent manner with the inside space containing the supply of the substance even when the applicator is not used for applying the substance; and

a resilient return member configured to exert thrust on the end wall toward the application surface.

2. A device according toclaim 1, wherein at least part of the applicator member is elastically deformable.

3. A device according toclaim 2, wherein the resilient return member comprises a spring.

4. A device according toclaim 1, wherein the resilient return member comprises a spring.

5. A device according toclaim 4, wherein the spring is selected from one of the following elements: a single helix spring, a double helix spring, and a conical spring.

6. A device according toclaim 1, wherein the resilient return member comprises a cellular material.

7. A device according toclaim 6, wherein the resilient return member comprises a foam.

8. A device according toclaim 6, wherein the resilient return member is permeable to the substance.

9. A device according toclaim 6, wherein the resilient return member comprises a tubular wall.

10. A device according toclaim 1, wherein the resilient return member is configured to return to an initial shape thereof after being compressed to a greater degree than the applicator member.

11. A device according toclaim 1, wherein the resilient return member and the applicator member are made of different materials.

12. A device according toclaim 1, further comprising a support carrying the applicator member, wherein the resilient return member is fastened on the support.

13. A device according toclaim 1, further comprising a support carrying the applicator member, wherein the resilient return member is made integrally as a single piece with the support.

14. A device according toclaim 1, wherein the resilient return member includes biocidal properties.

15. A device according toclaim 1, further comprising a closure cap configured to close the housing.

16. A device according toclaim 15, wherein the cap is configured to compress the applicator member at least in part, when the housing is closed by the cap at least in part.

17. A device according toclaim 1, wherein the receptacle comprises a support carrying the applicator member, and wherein the support comprises at least one orifice configured to enable the substance to pass from the inside space to the applicator member.

18. A device according toclaim 17, wherein the support comprises a chimney communicating with the orifice and extending at least in part into the housing.

19. A device according toclaim 18, wherein the chimney forms an annular space in a recess of the applicator member, the resilient return member extending at least partially in said annular space.

20. A device according toclaim 1, wherein the recess comprises a wall having a shape selected from: a cylindrical shape, and a frustoconical shape.

21. A device according toclaim 20, wherein the recess comprises a wall having an egg shape.

22. A device according toclaim 1, wherein the resilient return member extends at least in part into the recess of the applicator member.

23. A device according toclaim 1, wherein the applicator member comprises a foam.

24. A device according toclaim 23, wherein the applicator member is intrinsically permeable to the substance.

25. A device according toclaim 1, wherein the applicator member is a single piece.

26. A device according toclaim 1, wherein the applicator member includes at least one groove that extends substantially transversally to a direction in which the applicator member is compressed in use.

27. A device according toclaim 26, wherein the groove comprises an annular groove.

28. A device according toclaim 1, wherein the applicator member comprises at least one through orifice, opening to the application surface.

29. A device according toclaim 28, wherein the applicator member comprises at least one slot opening out to the application surface.

30. A device according toclaim 1, wherein, at least in a non-compressed state thereof, the applicator member includes a height that is greater than a largest transverse dimension thereof.

31. A device according toclaim 1, further comprising a support carrying the applicator member, wherein the support comprises an outer skirt surrounding the applicator member at least in part, and wherein, in a non-compressed state thereof, the applicator member includes a height that is greater than a height of the skirt.

32. A device according toclaim 31, wherein the applicator member, in the non-compressed state, includes a height that is at least 2% greater than the height of the skirt.

33. A device according toclaim 31, wherein the applicator member, in the non-compressed state, includes a height that is at least 5% greater than the height of the skirt.

34. A device according toclaim 31, wherein the applicator member, in the non-compressed state, includes a height that is at least 10% greater than the height of the skirt.

35. A device according toclaim 31, wherein the applicator member, in the non-compressed state, includes a height that is at least 20% greater than the height of the skirt.

36. A device according toclaim 31, comprising a closure cap configured to close the housing, wherein the outer skirt co-operates in a sealing manner with the cap when the housing is closed by said cap.

37. A device according toclaim 1, wherein the substance comprises one of a cosmetic and a skincare product.

38. A device according toclaim 1, wherein the applicator member comprises at a bottom portion an annular wall of thickness that decreases toward the bottom end of the applicator member.

39. An applicator device for applying a substance, the device comprising:

a receptacle comprising an inside space containing a supply of substance;

an applicator member that is deformable at least in part and secured to the receptacle, and comprising:

an application surface configured to apply the substance; and

a recess including an end wall;

a housing configured to receive the applicator member at least in part;

a closure cap configured to close the housing,

said housing and recess communicating, at least when the cap is in a closed position, with the inside space containing the supply of substance; and

a resilient return member configured to exert thrust on the end wall toward the application surface.

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